Kheni

Kagbeni was originally smaller than the current settlement and was surrounded by a defensive wall. Considering the fact that Kagbeni was once an important place in terms of the salt trade, there used to be constant tension in the area which is why the defensive wall makes sense. These walls had two entry/exit gates which were guarded by human guards back then. Only about a century ago when the need for guards faded, were they replaced by Khenis (ghost eaters) representing a man and a woman. And the makers have made it very evident; you can clearly figure out which one is the male and which one is the female. These statues must be really excited to guard their village. These khenis are grotesque primitive figures which reflect age-old animistic beliefs which were practiced here before the advent of Tibetan Buddhism in the 11th century.